Disaster Response (PEAT)
The Pre-Entry Assessment Team (PEAT) is the University's first responder disaster team that consists of members of EH&S and UW Tacoma Safety and Security.Following a disaster, our…
Laboratory Safety Manual
Welcome to the UW Laboratory Safety Manual (LSM).Please bookmark this page electronically or print a copy of the complete LSM and make it available to laboratory staff. Staff in UW…
Chemical Safety Levels and Hazard Codes
The chemical inventories in MyChem are automatically assigned to a Chemical Safety Level (CSL) based on the quantity and type of hazards present. CSLs include both physical and health hazards…
Heating Devices Focus Sheet
Many labs and shops use at least one type of heating device, such as ovens, hot plates, heating mantles and tapes, and oil baths. Heating materials, especially chemicals, present a number of…
Hand Sanitizer Fire Safety Focus Sheet
Hand washing and the use of hand sanitizer with an alcohol content of at least 60% is one of the key prevention measures to help reduce the potential for transmission of communicable diseases…
EGC1 Hazmat Screening Focus Sheet
Applicants completing an eGC1 are asked questions about quantities of hazardous materials they intend to use in their research. EH&S reviews this information to determine whether the…
Space Heaters and Other Temporary Portable Heaters
In the event a heating system fails, or there is inadequate heat to an area, every effort should be made to correct the problem with building heating before using temporary or portable heat…
Fire Extinguisher Use
Read the focus sheet for information about safely using a fire extinguisher, which involves training to operate it, awareness of potential personal exposure toextinguishing materials,…
Preventable fire alarm initiative
Seattle Fire Department’s Fire Prevention Division launched an initiative to avoid “false” (preventable) alarms. Preventable alarms include:Any activation of a fire alarm system…
Fire Code Classifications for Hazardous Materials
Hazardous materials are classified according to the International Fire Code, which limits quantities of certain chemicals based on physical and health hazards, and sets requirements for…
Should you pull the fire alarm after a chemical spill?
Following the announcement of the Seattle Police Department’s preventable fire alarm initiative (that will result in fines for false alarms starting January 1, 2020), EH&S has fielded concerns…
EH&S Guide for Principal Investigators
The Guide for Principal Investigators (PI Guide) is an introduction to Environmental Health & Safety for principal investigators (PIs) who are new to the University of Washington and…
Crane Operator Assessment Form
University units use the Crane Operator Assessment Form to document an individual employee's ability to operate/inspect overhead cranes and hoists and/or inspect rigging and rig loads…
Rigging Equipment Inspection Checklist
This Rigging Equipment Inspection Checklist includes inspection requirements for all sling types (i.e., wire rope, alloy steel chain, metal mesh, natural and synthetic fiber rope, and synthetic…
Overhead Crane and Hoist Inspection Checklist
This Overhead Crane and Hoist Inspection Checklist contains frequent inspection requirements, periodic inspection requirements, and wire rope/chain inspection information for overhead…
Crane/Hoist and Rigging Critical Lift Plan
When a critical lift is identified, the crane operator must complete the Crane/Hoist and Rigging Critical Lift Plan before the lift is conducted.Visit the Cranes, Hoists and Rigging Safety…
October is Global Ergonomics Month
Sprains, strains, and work-related musculoskeletal disorders account for more than 30% of total workers’ compensation injury claims in Washington state each year. Work-related musculoskeletal…
Crane, Hoist and Rigging Safety Program Manual and resources
The Crane, Hoist and Rigging Safety Program Manual and related safety tools and resources are available for University units and departments that operate and maintain cranes, hoists, and…
Understanding Group LOTO Focus Sheet
The Understanding Group LOTO Focus Sheet contains important safety information for authorized personnel performing service and maintenance of machines, equipment, and systems in groups of…
Winter Season Safety
The Winter Season Safety Focus Sheet provides the UW community with guidance on winter walking, preventing falls, working safely outdoors, decorating safely, and traveling in the…